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  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
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    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
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  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
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    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
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    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
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    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
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  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
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  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
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  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
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  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
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  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
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  • 2013 Season Archives
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Wildcard Round Power Rankings

Updated: January 2, 2013

32.  Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)

            Kansas City has done some right things. They sealed the number one pick in epic fashion and they fired Romeo Crennel. However, I do not understand why Clark Hunt is keeping Pioli around. I seriously doubt they will grab a good head coach candidate that wants to keep him very badly. Just make the move.

31.  Jacksonville Jaguars (2-14)

            Jacksonville begins yet another rebuilding phase. This time they really need to land the franchise quarterback first. No way can they go with the Gabbert/Henne duo next season. However, no way can we expect a certain #15 to be that guy either

30.  Oakland Raiders (4-12)

            The Raiders wisely stayed the course with their new regime, but questions remain for these guys. Mainly, what is the plan at quarterback? Carson Palmer was basically average this year, and he is owed a pretty penny, but is there a better option for this team? This is just one of the issues McKenzie and Allen are facing.

29.  Philadelphia Eagles (4-12)

             The resurgence of Mike Vick didn’t go so well as the Eagles were blown out. The Reid era also comes to an end and rightfully so. He is a great coach and will be successful elsewhere. In my opinion, the Eagles should push hard for Chip Kelly, let him acquire Geno Smith, and run his up tempo system with them and Bryce Brown and LeSean McCoy.

28.  Detroit Lions (4-12)

            The Lions are right back to where they are used to being. They need to find out if this is a one-year setback for a young team, or a sign of things to come. If 2011 was the anomaly then Jim Schwartz and Martin Mayhew must become more authoritative and end the thug4life mystique building around the Lions.

27.  Arizona Cardinals (5-11)

            Ken Whisenhunt is a very good coach, but he fell victim to a poor quarterback situation. Should Arizona land Andy Reid it will be interesting to see if he sticks with Kevin Kolb, who he liked in Philly, or if he goes in another direction. Kolb played well when this team was 4-0 and if the offensive tackle situation is fixed we may just find that he is a pretty good quarterback.

26.  New York Jets (6-10)

            Mike Tannenbuam was fired as GM, which was a no brainer, but the team seems to be keeping Rex Ryan around. This is an interesting decision because it is very hard to attract a GM candidate when you tell him he has to keep the head coach. Then again the Jets have not been making Rex or owner Woody Johnson available to the media (despite that it is a league rule that they must do so by the end of the week) so nobody knows what is going on there. So, it’s business as usual for the NFL’s biggest circus.

25.  Tennessee Titans (6-10)

            The Titans must have showed Bud Adams something by beating the lowly Jags, because he kept Mike Munchack around for another year. However, Adams shook things up in the front office. Adams has made things difficult for his franchise in his handling of the Jeff Fisher firing and his pursuit of Peyton Manning. Frankly, he needs to take a hard look in the mirror if he wants to see his Titans become a competitive team again.

24.  Buffalo Bills (6-10)

            The Bills are going forward without Chan Gailey, yet another hire that I never understood, but I do not understand why they are delaying the inevitable with keeping GM Buddy Nix. The Bills have some pieces to build around and by getting a good coach (Whisenhunt or Lovie Smith?) they could perhaps finally turn things around.

23.  Cleveland Browns (5-11)

            See what I said about the Bills and exchange Pat Shurmur for Chan Gailey. The Browns also have some nice young pieces and this new ownership is right to clear out the ridiculous power structure that Mike Holmgren put in place. Now it is imperative for the next coaching staff to figure out if Weeden can be a franchise quarterback.

22.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)

            Overall, it’s hard to say if the first year of the Schiano era was a success. A few months ago you would be saying yes, but now after another late season collapse, it is questionable. Schiano needs to be a little introspective and maybe come to the conclusion that he cannot treat these professionals as college boys and work them to the bone.

21.  San Diego Chargers (7-9)

            San Diego made the move to fire AJ Smith and Norv Turner a year too late. This move should have been made last year but the Spanos family got a little too complacent, for whatever reason. The Chargers have Phillip Rivers, but this team needs a ton of work.

20. Miami Dolphins (7-9)

            The Dolphins had a successful first year and they have some good young players to build with. Tannehill looks like the answer at quarterback and there are defenders that are building blocks. They need to focus all their resources on building a supporting cast around Tannehill.

19.  St. Louis Rams (7-8-1)

            This must be considered a successful first year for Jeff Fisher’s Rams. They were especially good in the NFC West division and played the majority of their opponents very tough. With all the picks in tow from the RG3 trade, watch out for the Rams in the future.

18.  New Orleans Saints (7-9)

            The Saints get Sean Payton back soon, but there are some issues the Saints need to address. The defensive side of the ball was a total nightmare and frankly needs to be overhauled. Not only that, but Payton needs to change the arrogant culture that was allowed to permeate the Saints during the bounty years. Reports coming out with players trashing Steve Spagnuolo, while singing the praises of Gregg Williams, are the type of things I am talking about. Remember, it was Payton who decided to let go of Williams before the bounty situation surfaced.

17.  Carolina Panthers (7-9)

            The Panthers finished on a very high note as they went from 2-8 to finish 5-1. The Panthers have a very tough decision to make with Ron Rivera, and they are rightfully taking their time on it. It stinks for Rivera to twist in the wind a little, but owner Jerry Richardson needs to make sure his next GM is on board with Rivera before making a decision, and if he is not, then go from there.

16.  Pittsburgh Steelers (8-8)

             The Steelers were a massive disappointment this year and they frankly need to look at where they are right now. The defense needs an injection of youth and a consistent, stable running back would go a long way for this offense. We saw what happens if they rely totally on Ben Roethlisberger this year. He is an elite player, but he is not perfect.

15.  Dallas Cowboys (8-8)

            Tony Romo threw three interceptions and this team squandered its shot at the NFC East title and a playoff berth. Romo needs to be realled in as he clearly isn’t the type to carry a franchise. The offense needs an influx of new talent, expecially on the line and the backfield. If I were Dallas I would rid myself of Rob Ryan. He has never really been the head of any good defenses and this year was no different. Let me be clear, if his last name was not Ryan he would not be the defensive coordinator of the Cowboys. He takes authority away from head coach Jason Garrett and is more harm than good.

14.  New York Giants (9-7)

            The Giants found out this year that 9-7 will not get you into the postseason every year. Will they be able to end that mindset? If this year didn’t make them see that it cannot be like that, I don’t know what will. It should be a year of some small change for the Giants.

13.  Chicago Bears (10-6)

             The Lovie Smith era came to a surprising end on Monday. I think in the end it was the correct move. GM Phil Emery gave a long and tedious press conference, but he showed that he is the right analytical mind for the job. He now needs to get a head coach he can be compatible with.

12.  Cincinnati Bengals (10-6)

            The Bengals are the 12th ranked team because I think they are probably the weakest playoff team at this moment. However, I won’t be surprised if they actually beat the Texans this time around in a rematch of last year’s playoff meeting.

11.  Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

            What a great effort by the Vikings in their victory over the Packers. Adrian Peterson was unreal as usual. Will the Vikings be able to duplicate the results this weekend? They will need a similar effort by Christian Ponder to upset the Packers in their house.

10.  Houston Texans (12-4)

             The Texans are floundering. They lost to two teams that they are certainly more talented then to close out the season. Will they be one and done in the playoffs? They better not be.

9.  Baltimore Ravens (10-6)

            Ray Lewis is probably going to play his last game in Baltimore this weekend. I was going to pick the Colts to upset the Ravens, now I am really not so sure about that. This is going to be the “Run for Ray” and I am not sure the Ravens will let it go out in the first round.

8.  Indianapolis Colts (11-5)

            The Colts also carry a ton of inspiration with coach Chuck Pagano back in the fold. This is going ot be a very interesting matchup to watch and disect and it is very hard for me to wish either team ill as they are both playing for higher causes.

7.  Washington Redskins (10-6)

            The Redskins took care of business on the back of their stellar rookie runner Alfred Morris. They face a tough challenge when the Seahawks come to town on Sunday. I cannot imagine that the Seahawks defense will allow them to run like Dallas did, so more will be asked of an injured RG3.

6.  San Francisco 49ers (11-4-1)

            The Niners took care of business against the lowly Cardinals on Sunday and they got the coveted first-round bye. They need to use the week off as a way to put together a complete game plan on offense. They have not truly found an identity with Kaepernick under center and they will need to find that before the divisional round next week.

5.  Seattle Seahawks (11-5)*

            Seattle had a tough game against the rival Rams on Sunday, but Wilson carried his team to yet another win. However, they face another stellar young rookie signal caller on Sunday. This defense gets Brandon Browner back for the playoffs and that only makes an awesome defense even better. The Seahawks must prove they are a great road team in the playoffs.

4.  Atlanta Falcons (13-3)

            The Falcons looked a little confused as to how they wanted to play on Sunday as far as resting starters. The team has elected to practice through the bye week which is a good move considering they cannot get complacent given their history. The pressure will be on next week.

3.  Green Bay Packers (11-5)*

            The Packers lost last week, but I still consider them the top team in the NFC. I expect them to win against the Vikings in the rematch and they will be a tough opponent for either the Falcons or Niners the following week.

2.  New England Patriots (12-4)

             New England decided to show their dominance, and gain a bye, by shutting out the Dolphins in week 17. The Patriots will be rested and ready for whatever unlucky team faces them next week.

1.  Denver Broncos (13-3)

             A good team has not challenged the Broncos for weeks now, but they also didn’t let any of those other teams hang around. Peyton Manning needs to make sure he lets these young players know that nothing from the last 17 weeks matters. It all starts over now. 

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